Kānuka tree and its uses
What is kānuka?
Kānuka (kunzea ericoides) is a native tree of New Zealand, it can be found growing across the country, kānuka tree adapts well to different climates and is known for it's resilience.
The Kānuka tree produces clusters of pale flowers during the summer months that turn into seed pods.
What does kānuka look like?
Kānuka is commonly mistaken for mānuka. They look alike from far away, if you inspect and compare a kānuka tree you should be able to identify the differences between the two.
Kānuka has larger leaves, these leaves are a lighter green and are soft not prickly or spiky like mānuka is.
Kānuka leaf smells different when crushed, kānuka leaf has a more intense floral aroma.
Kānuka does not retain it's seed pods on the branches like mānuka does.
The seed pods of the kānuka tree are alot smaller than mānuka seed pods.
How was kānuka used historically?
The kānuka tree is well known within Māori culture, it was used traditionally for a variety of purposes. Kānuka leaf was used as a medicine to alleviate and cure every day ailments both internally and externally.
Kānuka wood was used to make tools and weapons from. The wood is very hard and durable.
Internal use of kānuka leaf
The leaves were boiled and the liquid consumed to help with kidney function and urinary complaints. Kānuka was also used to help relieve blocked sinuses and hayfever.
The fresh seed berries were chewed and eaten as a remedy for an upset stomach.
Birds use kānuka leaf
The Kākāriki parakeets (Cyanoramphus) are known to use kānuka to rid parasites from their body. Kānuka leaf contains anti-bacterial and insecticidal properties.
These birds also chew the plant and mix it with their preen gland oil and apply it to their feathers.
External use of Kānuka leaf
Kānuka leaves were were boiled with water, this concoction was applied to parts of the body to ease aches and pains.
The gum of the tree was taken and applied to burns and scalds on the skin.
How is kānuka (kunzea ericoides) used today?
Kānuka is used as a tea or an ingredient in herbal tea. It contains essential oil in its leaves, this is extracted and can be purchased pure.
Kānuka hydrosol and essential oil is used in skincare products. Kānuka wood is used to create a smoke liquid for culinary uses. The leaf is also used in culinary spaces within herb and spice mixes.
What is the flavour profile of kānuka leaf?
The flavour of kānuka leaf varies, this is dependant on the chemotype of the tree, the quality of the leaf and how it is processed.
When kānuka leaf is prepared effectively the taste is strong, slight bitterness and floral with a hint of sweet. The colour of the leaf should be a vibrant green with a fragrant aroma.
Is there any scientific research on Kānuka leaf?
Yes there is research available, as the interest in kānuka leaf grows so will the scientific research. Kānuka has shown that is has a variety of compounds that are suitable for health and wellness products.
Anti oxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds are two of its main components.
Growing kānuka at Native Tree Farm
We harvest kānuka leaf from our certified organic kānuka trees. These trees are growing well, they flourish after a good trim.
Kānuka a vital ingredient in our product range
Kānuka contains the quality flavours and health properties that lend itself generously to a variety of products. This includes herbal tea's, skin care, and culinary uses.
We utilise kānuka leaf in our mānuka calm herbal tea. We create a pure essential oil from kānuka leaves, it is also an ingredient in our Horopito & kawakawa flaky salt.
